Setting Up an Apple Watch for Your Kids in 2026

If you want to provide your kids with the ability to stay connected while keeping their access to smartphones limited, consider setting up an Apple Watch with Family Setup enabled. This feature allows parents to control and manage their child’s watch experience, ensuring they stay safe while still enjoying the benefits of having a wearable device. To begin, make sure you and your child have both an iPhone and an Apple Watch. Then, go to the Apple ID settings on your iPhone and select “Family Sharing.” From there, follow the prompts to create or join a family group, and then select “Add Family Member” to add your child’s iPhone to the group. Once your child’s iPhone is part of the family group, you can visit the Watch app on your iPhone and tap “Set Up for This Child.” Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your child’s Apple Watch, which will be enrolled in the family group automatically. With Family Setup enabled, you’ll have control over various aspects of your child’s watch experience, including:

• Setting time limits for screen use
• Enabling or disabling access to certain apps
• Managing communication settings, such as who can contact your child and how often Family Setup also allows you to set up emergency contacts, so if your child needs help in an emergency, they can quickly reach out to you. You can even add a message that will be displayed on your child’s watch screen when it’s called. By setting up an Apple Watch with Family Setup, you can give your kids the freedom to enjoy a wearable device while keeping them safe and connected to you as their parent or guardian.